Where in the World is Oxnard?

January 3, 2014

Oxnard: A Blend of Cultures, Cuisine and Community

Despite its unusual name. Oxnard is a hip, happening, and affordable visitor destination in southern California. Located an hour north of Los Angeles on California's Central Coast, Oxnard boasts seven miles of white sandy beaches, a picturesque harbor, farm-to-table international cuisine, outstanding museums, wine tasting, and a historic downtown district.

A Picture-Perfect Harbor for Family Fun

Flanked by spacious expanses of unspoiled beach, Oxnard's Channel Islands harbor is a hub for all types of marine activities such as boating, kayaking, sailing and whale-watching. It is also the site for many of Oxnard's annual festivals, such as the 4th of July Fireworks by the Sea, the Holiday Parade of Lights. summer concerts and seasonal car shows. A variety of restaurants specializing in fresh seafood line the marina and offer up "fresh from the surf" specialties.

The Past Meets the Present in Centennial Plaza

The picturesque Centennial Plaza, in the heart of Oxnard's downtown, harks back to the city's early days when it served as the heart of the community--as it continues to do today. The 1910 Oxnard Pagoda, which dominates the center of the square, is one of the last remaining band pavilions in California. Restaurants, retail shops and a 14-plex movie theatre all contribute to making this one of Oxnard's favorite meeting places.

The 'Other' Galapagos--Channel Islands National Park

If a visit to the Galapagos Islands isn't in your travel plans anytime soon, consider an excursion to the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary. Home to more than 2,000 plants and animals, this bio-diverse region is often referred to as "America's Galapagos" and a perfect destination for the entire family. Oxnard is among the most convenient departure points for a visit to any one of the five islands within the park, with the closest island, Anacapa, just 90 minutes from Oxnard's shore.

Sip Your Way Through Central Coast Wines

Oxnard is the first stop on the Ventura Country Wine Trail, which highlights the unique wines and wineries that can be found along California's Central Coast. Oxnard boasts four distinctive tasting rooms, each of which present distinctive sipping experiences. Purchase a Ventura County Wine Trail Tasting card at Oxnard's Welcome Center and explore the wine country at your own pace...at a fraction of what you would pay in other California wine regions.

Bugatti, Voisin, Art Deco--Under One Spectacular Roof

The Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, where art deco meets the machine age, pays homage to the era that produced distinctive art and magnificent automobiles. The museum is home to one of the world's finest collection of French automobiles covering several decades, many of which have won prestigious international awards. Don't miss the impressive Bugatti family exhibition of paintings, sculptures, and decorative furniture in the upstairs and side galleries.

Room With A View

You won't want to shut your drapes during your stay at the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort. The views over the white sandy beach, which is purportedly one of the softest sand beaches on the coast and often used by Hollywood film crews as a tropical beach backdrop, can certainly become addictive. In addition to drinking in the view, you can also enjoy sparkling pools, waterfalls, exotic gardens and first-class dining at very competitive rates.

A World of Flavors

Oxnard's culinary offerings reflect its international heritage. The city boasts a wide variety of restaurants, many of them featuring local fresh seafood, as well as outstanding ethnic cuisine. Some of the nation's most up-and-coming chefs are contributing to Oxnard's reputation as a foodie destination, where you can dine on some evocative cuisine without breaking the bank. Local chefs rely on the unlimited bounty of fresh produce, seafood, and sustainable meats available in the area.

Sail into History

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is truly one of Oxnard's "hidden gems." Two floors of exhibit space are packed with a vast collection of model ships, nautical exhibits, and world-class maritime art that brings history to life. You wouldn't expect to see such a collection outside of America's major city museums, all at a nominal entrance price. Don't miss the 17th & 18th Century collection of Dutch maritime paintings, and leave time to admire the details of the model ship displays.

Feel the Community Spirit

Although Oxnard is the largest city in Ventura County, it has a down-home feel that puts you immediately in vacation mode. Thanks to ongoing civic revitalization efforts, this historic coastal community has made its mark as an emerging visitor destination, attractive because of its natural beauty, charm, history and affordability. According to 2013 rankings, Oxnard is one of the safest cities in America, with violent crime rates well below the national average.

You'll never see Joanne without a camera or two strapped around her neck as she travels around the world, together with her photographer husband Tony, to unearth new and exciting destinations to share with her readers.
Her professional career includes a long tenure in communications with the San Diego Tourism Authority, where she gained expertise with both the camera and the descriptive word.
When she’s not adding fresh images to her SCENIC PHOTOGRAPHY website, she's posting her current adventures on her popular TRAVEL BLOG .
Joanne is a member of the esteemed Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).